Page 49 of The Lyrics of Love

“Do you think we burned off enough calories for another donut?” she asked teasingly.

“If we didn’t, we can always go again,” he declared.

Rylie pushed away and left the bed, reclaiming her robe and slipping into it. Nash stood and slipped on his boxer-briefs and padded after her as they returned to the kitchen.

She stopped at the table and opened the lid of the box again as he slipped his hand under her robe, caressing her ass.

“If I would’ve known you were bare beneath this, I would’ve skipped the donuts.”

Turning, she placed her arms about his neck and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I think a little sugar gave you just the right amount of energy, Mr. Edwards.”

She went to the cupboard and returned with two glasses before getting a carton of milk from the refrigerator.

“I don’t need any more coffee,” she told him as she poured them both milk. “One cup a day is good enough for me. In fact, I drink more warm water and lemon than I do coffee.”

He selected a cinnamon cake donut and she took the same. They sat and talked a little about Game Night and his impression of her friends.

“I like them all,” he said honestly. “There isn’t a one of them I wouldn’t want to be friends with on my own, apart from you. They’re all smart. Funny. Talented. Oh, Ainsley wanted to know if we could have dinner with her and Jackson on Monday.”

“Sure, it’s good with me. Antiques and Mystiques is closed on Mondays.”

“Then maybe we could SUP some,” he suggested. “And take a drive along the coast. I’d like to see more of the area. That is, if you want to spend the day together.”

Rylie leaned over and kissed him. “I would. But shouldn’t you be doing some songwriting?”

“I have been. And I can work when you do. That reminds me.”

He rose and returned with his guitar. “This is the latest one I’ve written. It’s called Second Chance Promises.”

Sitting again, he began strumming his guitar. He closed his eyes while singing, not sure if he could look at her while he did so. The song was full of emotion, and his voice quivered slightly as he sang to her.

When the last chord sounded, he braved opening his eyes, meeting hers.

Rylie stood, lifting the guitar from his hands and gently setting it on the ground. She sat in his lap, her hands framing his face.

“You captured so many emotions in just a few lines. I am so moved by your music, Nash.”

She kissed him, slow and lingering, her lips teasing his open, her tongue dipping into his mouth. He let her take the lead, enjoying not being in the driver’s seat for once, relishing her taste and the feel of her warm body.

Rylie broke the kiss. “I feel so honored to have inspired something so beautiful. I know you wrote it about us. About what we might be.” She hesitated. “I’m scared, Nash. Really scared for the first time in my life.”

“Why, darlin’? You don’t have anything to be afraid about. Not with me.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m already feeling things I shouldn’t feel so early in a relationship. I’m thinking about things that aren’t supposed to be thought about. We should simply be having fun together. Learning about each other.”

“We are,” he assured her. “And if it makes you feel any better, I’m thinking about probably some of those same things.” He sighed. “I won’t voice them now. I don’t want to jinx anything. Let’s just see how this unfolds. Enjoy being with one another. Okay?”

She bit her lip, something he noticed she did often when uncertain about something.

“It’s fine, Rylie. I promise. You heard what I said in that song. I meant every word. We’ll take it slow and not force anything. Okay?”

“Okay,” she agreed, removing her hands from his face to wipe away her tears.

Abruptly, she stood. “I’ve got to jump in the shower and get to work. Same as you, Mr. Edwards. You have music to compose and lyrics to write.”

Nash stood. “I can do that. And I get to go cook with Carter this afternoon.”

“That’s right. Enchiladas.”

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